Treasurethe Moment takes key step towards Group 1 campaign after Cranbourne trial

Treasurethe Moment has taken an important step in her preparation for a return to Group 1 racing with a solid trial at Cranbourne on Monday.

The Matt Laurie-trained filly, who captured the spotlight with her victory in the VRC Oaks at Flemington in November, participated in a low-key 1000-metre trial. The trial was won by dual Group 1 champion Magic Time, and Treasurethe Moment settled towards the back of the field. Despite being the widest horse on the turn, she made strong late progress with minimal urging from jockey Damian Lane, finishing in fifth place, three lengths behind the winner.

“I was happy with her,” Laurie commented. “She was quicker away than some of the horses inside her, which is obviously a really good quality for a horse like her. She came back in behind them, followed them around then Damian got her to the outside and I thought her best work was late. The track was a little bit wet out there, a bit chopped up on the corner, which she might not have loved, but it improved up the straight according to Damian, so we thought it was quite a good effort.”

Treasurethe Moment’s remarkable career has seen her win five of her seven starts, including a memorable victory in the VRC Oaks, where she became the 39th filly to claim the prestigious title. She had earlier triumphed in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes on Derby Day, having also won two other races that spring.

Looking ahead, Laurie plans for the filly to have another trial at Balnarring next week, before preparing for two Melbourne races. These will serve as warm-ups before her campaign in Sydney, targeting the $750,000 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on March 29 and the $1 million Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) two weeks later.

“She’ll kick off in the Armanasco Stakes, which is a seven-furlong race, and she’ll then go to the Kewney (Stakes), which is a mile at Flemington. I would think that would be a nice race for her at set weights,” Laurie added. “Then we’ll head up to Sydney and have a go at the Vinery and then the Oaks.”

The $300,000 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) will take place at Caulfield on February 22, with the $300,000 Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) set for March 8 at Flemington.

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